Probiotic Drinks

The word ‘bacteria’ has gained itself such undesirable reputation that the idea of taking some of it to improve digestive health seems to be a deception. In reality, certain strains of micro-organisms like yeast and bacteria are actually beneficial when it comes to cure or prevent certain conditions related to digestion. These gut friendly microorganisms are popularly called probiotics.

In the year 2001, World Health Organization defined probiotics as “live micro-organisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host”. More than 500 species of gut friendly micro-organisms inhibit our bowel and their combined population in a healthy individual can be over 100 trillion. This figure can be much lower when the intestinal flora gets impaired or otherwise affected due to poor eating habits, infections or administration of certain drugs like antibiotics. This process results in weakened digestion and other conditions related to the gut. Taking antibiotics restores the gut flora and helps in reversing the effects.

Now, it’s much easier to get the daily dose of probiotics through a wide range of probiotic drinks available in the market.

The health benefits associated with the administration of probiotic drinks are as follows:

Improves digestion:

Probiotic drinks not only improve the intestinal function but are also found to maintain the integrity of the intestinal lining. Regular use of probiotic drinks reduces intestinal inflammation and normalizes the gut mucosal dysfunction. The gut friendly bacteria aids in improved nutrient absorption which is clearly reflected in better digestion and elevated energy levels.

Enhanced Immunity:

About 80 percent of the immune system is located in our digestive tract and it is therefore correct to say that a healthy gut makes way for improved immune system. Probiotics play an important role in the development and functioning of the mucosal immune system in the digestive tract and is also found to be involved in the production of antibodies and pathogens. Probiotic drinks challenge the immune system in a healthy way, thus keeping it active and alert.

Protects against flu and cold:

Probiotics can reduce the body’s inflammatory response and thus provides protection against flu and cold.  A daily dose of probiotic supplements helps to overcome the collective symptoms associated with cold and flu.

Good cholesterol levels:

Researchers at the American Heart Association have found that a daily dose of probiotics actually helps in lowering the bad cholesterol by as much as 12 percent and thus, keeps your heart healthy and strong.

Additionally, probiotics are found to provide protection against or help in treating multiple medical conditions like diarrhea, eczema, pouchitis and vaginitis. It is also effective in suppressing the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease. It also provides protection against certain cancers by producing enzymes that inhibit tumor production.

While the above stated benefits of taking probiotics are true for a normal healthy individual, the effects may not be the same for a person with highly impaired immunity or severe illness. It is also important to understand that probiotics can function or serve to be beneficial only when they are able to reach the intestines. Many probiotics may fail to pass through the highly acidic environment of the stomach. It is therefore recommended that probiotic drinks be taken before or with breakfast for maximum benefits as the pH of the stomach at this time is mostly 4 or above, ideal for safe transfer of micro-organisms.

The benefits of probiotic drinks are really exciting but their success heavily depends upon the criteria of selecting the one that is best for you.  Make sure that you have information about the product’s manufacture, its packaging, probiotic strains added to the drink, its shelf life and its expiry. Be sure that the label clearly specifies the following information:

• Genus, species and strain of micro-organism used
• Total population of the micro-organism contained per serving and safe intake limits per day
• Storage, shelf life and handling instructions
• Mandatory certifications from government and other operating bodies

Make sure that you speak to your health care provider before administering the probiotic drink in case you have a history of bacterial or any other kind of food allergy or sensitivity.